* Fixed Term Full Time till September 2028
* Tertiary qualifications in communications, journalism, media, public affairs or related field plus 3–5 years' relevant experience
* Excellent Salary based on skills, qualifications and experience
Why Choose Us
Townsville City Council is the largest local government authority in Northern Australia. We are committed to creating value by growing Townsville through driving economic diversity and generating an enriching lifestyle.
Our organisation provides and maintains close to $9 billion worth of community assets including water and wastewater network and treatment plants, bridges, drainage, roads, waste management, community facilities, sporting venues and more.
We contribute to an active lifestyle for our residents and visitors through events, providing recreational facilities, protecting the natural environment and heritage, while creating a mentally and physically healthy city.
We are driving economic diversity and cultivating an enriching lifestyle, growing a city for this and future generations by building a vibrant, sustainable and innovative city.
Council's vision is for Townsville to be a connected, lifestyle driven and innovation focused city while continuing to deliver service excellence and to be led by our community to create an exciting today and future.
Our Vision: A globally connected community driven by lifestyle and nature.
Our Purpose: Grow Townsville
Our Values: Safety, Excellence, Respect, Value, Enjoyment
About the Role
This position plays a key role in supporting the Mayor through the delivery of high-quality media, communications, and public information outcomes. The role will act as an interface between the Mayor, Council, the media, and the community to ensure the Mayor's messages, priorities and the organisation's activities are accurately conveyed and well understood.
Accountable to the Chief of Staff (Councillor Advisor), this position will be focused on growing and managing constructive relationships with internal and external stakeholders; supporting high-quality media management and communication outcomes for the Mayor; ensuring the delivery of clear, factual, and strategic messaging aligned to the Corporate Plan and community expectations; and reshaping how we engage with the community to maximise value and support the Mayor's duties as an elected representative.
This position operates in a dynamic and sometimes high-pressure environment requiring strong judgement, confidentiality, political awareness, and responsiveness.
About You
To succeed in this role, you will bring a strong background in communications within a dynamic and community‑focused organisation. You will hold tertiary qualifications in communications, journalism, media, public affairs or a related field, along with three to five years' relevant experience. You will have demonstrated experience preparing high quality media releases, speeches and promotional materials, supported by practical experience in marketing and social media.
You will be an accomplished written communicator with advanced writing skills and a proven ability to deliver clear, engaging and accessible content across a range of platforms. Your strong interpersonal and relationship building skills will enable you to engage effectively with Council colleagues, elected members, media representatives and the broader community. You will have experience contributing to or managing social media channels, including content creation, scheduling and performance reporting.
This role requires sound judgement and the ability to work confidently in a public facing environment. You will have demonstrated experience identifying emerging or sensitive issues and developing appropriate proactive or reactive media and communication responses. An understanding of local media operations and information requirements is essential, along with high political awareness and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality. Experience supporting or contributing to disaster or emergency communications will be highly regarded.
How to Apply
Your application can be submitted through the 'Apply' button. Please include a cover letter (maximum 2 pages), outlining how your skills, qualifications and experience would allow you to achieve success in this role. We also will require your resume and attached copies of any licences and qualifications as per the key requirements of the role.
For further information review the Position Description.
Closing Date: 11.45pm, Thursday 22nd January 2026.
What We Offer
* 17.5% annual leave loading
* Up to 5 weeks annual leave
* Up to 3 weeks Personal/Carers Leave
* 14 weeks paid Parental Leave
* Domestic and Family Violence Leave
* Natural Disaster Leave
* Up to *13.5% Superannuation employer contribution for contributing members
* Salary Sacrifice opportunities
* Learning and Development opportunities
* Fitness Passport program offering discounted membership to selected gym, pool, and yoga facilities
* Employee Loyalty Program offering discounts at selected local businesses
* Employee Assistance Program
* The Council contribution to employees' superannuation for contributing employees shall be 13.5% of the employees' ordinary time earnings subject to the employee contributing a minimum of 6% of their ordinary time earnings.
We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace where diverse styles, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, encouraged, and respected. People from diverse backgrounds (including but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with diverse gender identities and sexualities, people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disability, and veterans) are encouraged to apply
All successful candidates are required to undergo drug and alcohol testing as part of the recruitment process. Please be aware Townsville City Council has a 'zero tolerance' policy to drugs and alcohol in the workplace.
If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact or phone for a confidential discussion.